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DNA test in a criminal investigation

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Illustration of collecting single-strand DNA

The collected cells are broken open and the DNA is separated into single strands.

Illustration of separating DNA into pieces

Illustrations copyright 2003 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.nucleusinc.com

An electric current separates the strands into DNA pieces, which are then transferred to a nylon membrane soaked with a radioactive solution. The radioactive chemicals bind with the DNA. Photos of the criminal and suspect DNA are compared. The results in this case indicate that the suspect is not the criminal.

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Last Updated: 04/26/2007